Benefits of Slowing Down

Pause and Be.

Pause and Reflect.

The benefits of slowing down in the winter season. 

Slowing down allows you to think more clearly and make better decisions. When you slow down, you connect with your inner wisdom, heart's guidance, and intuition.

Slowing down allows you to catch your breath. Slowing down the breath combats fatigue, soothes the parasympathetic nervous system response, reduces anxiety, overwhelm, and depression. Engage in your favorites calming activities. 

Inspires gratitude for the present moment. 

Gift yourself space this holiday season.  Take the long way home and gaze at holiday lights or sip hot cocoa and listen to chill Christmas music. 

Here are five steps you can try to make your life slower and even healthier.

Engage in routines. We mindlessly do many daily tasks. Instead of doing them on autopilot or rushing to get them completed, try to be fully present in the process. For instance, when showering, note the smell of the soap and how the hot water soothes your muscles. If you feel rushed or your mind wanders, bring your attention back to the various sensations. Pay attention to the details.

Take a mindful walk. Try a walking meditation. Use your senses on the walk. What do you see, smell, hear, taste, and touch?

Tech Break. Spend 15 to 20 minutes each day disconnected from the world. No computer, phone, TV, or interactions. Just be present and do nothing. Listen to you breath. Try a mantra to keep the mind focused. I like, "I am here now."